PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals which are highly persistent in the environment, giving them the nickname “forever chemicals”. Since they were first developed in the 1930s, they have become ubiquitous in modern society with them being widely used in consumer products such as non-stick cookware, water/stain resistant fabrics, food packaging and firefighting foams. Due to this widespread use – and the fact that these chemicals are very difficult to break down – they are a widespread pollutant in water & soil systems globally. PFAS is also a public health concern, as they have been shown to accumulate in our blood over time and are linked to developmental issues, reduced immune system ability and an increased risk of cancer.
The project aims to develop an electrochemical sensor for the detection of PFAS in water systems and in human bodies. Two types of synthetic antibody – aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) – will be used as receptors which will recognise PFAS molecules and cause a measurable change in electrical properties within the sensor. The target design for this sensor would be a portable and cost-effective device capable of real-time monitoring of PFAS.
